Intel Core 3 201TE vs Intel Core 7 251TE Comparison

FAQ

Q: What are the core and thread counts for the Intel Core 3 201TE and Core 7 251TE?

A: The Core 3 201TE has 4 cores and 8 threads. The Core 7 251TE has 24 cores and 32 threads.

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock speed?

A: The Core 7 251TE boosts to 5.40 GHz, while the Core 3 201TE boosts to 4.60 GHz.

Q: How much L3 cache does each processor have?

A: The Core 3 201TE has 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core 7 251TE has 36 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Core 3 201TE and the Core 7 251TE have ECC memory support enabled.

Q: What are the integrated graphics models on these chips?

A: The Core 3 201TE uses UHD Graphics 730, while the Core 7 251TE is equipped with UHD Graphics 770.

Q: What socket do both processors use?

A: Both the Core 3 201TE and the Core 7 251TE use the Intel Socket 1700.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on the Bartlett Lake architecture, produced by Intel on a 10 nm process node. They share the same foundry and socket, Intel Socket 1700. The fundamental architectural difference lies in the scale of the silicon. The Core 3 201TE has a die size of 163 mm², while the Core 7 251TE is substantially larger at 215 mm².

The core count disparity is the defining feature. The Core 3 201TE is configured with 4 cores and 8 threads, a modest setup for basic desktop tasks. In contrast, the Core 7 251TE scales up to 24 cores and 32 threads, which represents a six-fold increase in core count. This configuration directly impacts the L3 cache allocation: the Core 3 201TE has 12 MB shared, while the Core 7 251TE has 36 MB shared, a three-fold difference.

Both processors share the same per-core L1 cache at 80 KB and per-core L2 cache at 1.25 MB. The memory controllers also differ in bandwidth capability. The Core 3 201TE supports dual-channel memory with a bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. The Core 7 251TE also uses dual-channel memory but achieves 89.6 GB/s. Both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory types, and both have ECC memory enabled.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The Core 3 201TE comes with UHD Graphics 730, while the Core 7 251TE features UHD Graphics 770. Both processors are locked, with the multiplier unlocked flag set to false, and both support PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU.

Clock speeds show a significant trade-off. The Core 3 201TE has a base clock of 2.90 GHz and a boost clock of 4.60 GHz. The Core 7 251TE has a lower base clock of 1.40 GHz but a higher boost clock of 5.40 GHz. This indicates that the smaller chip runs faster at its baseline, while the larger chip can reach higher peak frequencies when fewer cores are active.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data in the database only includes recorded results for the Core 7 251TE. The Core 3 201TE has no benchmark entries, so direct comparisons are limited to architectural specifications and the recorded performance of the larger chip.

The Core 7 251TE demonstrates clear dominance in multi-threaded workloads. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 25518, combined with a PassMark multithread score of 30022, indicates a processor built for parallel processing. The 24-core configuration excels in rendering, scientific computation, and any task that can utilize many threads simultaneously.

The Core 3 201TE, with its higher base clock of 2.90 GHz versus 1.40 GHz, is positioned for tasks that favor lower latency and single-thread responsiveness. Its smaller die and lower core count suggest it is optimized for lighter workloads where power efficiency and sufficient single-core performance matter more than raw multi-thread throughput.

For the Core 7 251TE, specific benchmark wins include a PassMark integer math score of 125739 and a floating point math score of 85607. The data compression score of 334399 and encryption score of 22176 show strong performance in data-intensive tasks. The extended instructions score of 16974 confirms the chip handles advanced instruction sets effectively.

The Core 3 201TE has no recorded benchmark wins in the database. Its architectural data suggests it would be better suited for basic desktop usage, entry-level productivity, and scenarios where the lower die size and potentially lower power draw are advantages. However, without benchmark scores, the data cannot confirm these expectations.

Specification Differences

The processors differ across nearly every core specification. The Core 3 201TE has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Core 7 251TE has 24 cores and 32 threads. Base clocks are 2.90 GHz for the Core 3 201TE and 1.40 GHz for the Core 7 251TE. Boost clocks are 4.60 GHz and 5.40 GHz, respectively.

The die size is 163 mm² for the Core 3 201TE and 215 mm² for the Core 7 251TE. Both processors share the same process node at 10 nm and the same manufacturer. The L3 cache differs: 12 MB shared for the Core 3 201TE versus 36 MB shared for the Core 7 251TE. Per-core L1 and L2 caches are identical at 80 KB and 1.25 MB.

Memory bandwidth is another differentiator. The Core 3 201TE achieves 76.8 GB/s, while the Core 7 251TE reaches 89.6 GB/s. Both support dual-channel memory and the same DDR4 and DDR5 memory types. ECC memory support is enabled on both.

The integrated graphics differ: UHD Graphics 730 on the Core 3 201TE and UHD Graphics 770 on the Core 7 251TE. Both have a TDP of 45 watts. The launch MSRP for the Core 3 201TE is $134, and the launch MSRP for the Core 7 251TE is $384. Both processors are marked as Active in production status, share the same release date, and use the same PCIe configuration of Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU.

The part numbers differ as well: SRPKDQ5CK for the Core 3 201TE and SRQAXQ5ZG for the Core 7 251TE. The market segment for both is Desktop, and both have the multiplier locked.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no head-to-head benchmark entries for these two processors. The Core 3 201TE has no recorded benchmark scores at all, which means a direct numerical comparison for specific tests is impossible. However, the Core 7 251TE has a substantial set of recorded results that can be analyzed independently.

The Core 7 251TE scores 25518 in Cinebench R23 multi-core and 3602 in single-core. In Cinebench R20, it scores 10717 multi-core and 1512 single-core. The older Cinebench R15 shows 2572 multi-core and 362 single-core. These scores indicate a processor with strong multi-thread capability and respectable single-thread performance.

PassMark results for the Core 7 251TE show a single-thread score of 3568 and a multithread score of 30022. The find prime numbers test yields a score of 140, which is notably lower than other metrics. The physics score is 1938, and the random string sorting score is 39643.

The Core 7 251TE has an average benchmark score of 41650 and sits at the 88th percentile among all CPUs in the database. Its nearest rivals include the Intel Core Ultra 7 265H with an average score of 41621 and a delta of 0.1%, the Intel Core i7-14650HX at 41576 with a delta of 0.2%, and the Intel Core i7-12850HX at 41779 with a delta of -0.3%. The Intel Core i7-14700T scores 41914 with a delta of -0.6%. These deltas show the Core 7 251TE performs within a narrow band of 0.6% of these comparable processors.

The largest wins for the Core 7 251TE in the recorded data are in multi-threaded throughput. The data compression score of 334399 is the highest single metric, followed by integer math at 125739 and floating point math at 85607. The extended instructions score of 16974 and encryption score of 22176 round out the computational capabilities.

Since the Core 3 201TE has no benchmark data, the analysis must rely on its architectural positioning. The 4-core, 8-thread configuration with a 4.60 GHz boost clock and 12 MB L3 cache suggests it would score far below the Core 7 251TE in multi-thread tests. The higher base clock of 2.90 GHz could give it a relative advantage in lightly threaded tasks, but this cannot be confirmed with recorded data.

The Verdict

The benchmark data presents a clear hierarchy. The Core 7 251TE is a high-performance processor with an average benchmark score of 41650 and an 88th percentile ranking. Its nearest rivals, the Intel Core Ultra 7 265H and Intel Core i7-14650HX, are within 0.2% of its average score, confirming it sits in a competitive performance tier.

The Core 3 201TE, with no recorded benchmarks and a 50th percentile ranking, occupies a fundamentally different market position. Its 4 cores and 8 threads are suited for basic desktop operations, while the 24-core, 32-thread configuration of the Core 7 251TE is designed for demanding multi-threaded workloads.

Users who need maximum parallel processing should select the Core 7 251TE based on its recorded multi-core scores across Cinebench and PassMark. The data shows it delivers strong performance in integer math, floating point math, and data compression, making it suitable for rendering, simulation, and content creation tasks.

Users with lighter workloads who prioritize the higher base clock of 2.90 GHz may consider the Core 3 201TE, but the lack of benchmark data means its performance cannot be quantified. The Core 7 251TE offers 36 MB of L3 cache versus 12 MB, higher memory bandwidth at 89.6 GB/s versus 76.8 GB/s, and a more capable integrated graphics unit in the UHD Graphics 770.

The architectural data indicates the Core 7 251TE is the superior processor in nearly every measurable specification except base clock speed and die size. Its 5.40 GHz boost clock, 24 cores, and 32 threads provide the computational headroom required for advanced applications. The Core 3 201TE serves as an entry-level option, but the recorded data overwhelmingly supports the Core 7 251TE for any performance-sensitive scenario.